A MUM has been slammed after admitting she doesn’t bother bathing her kids during the hot summer months.
Instead, she claimed that spending time in the pool counts as a bath, leaving other parents furious.
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Neely Gracey is a mum-of-two and fitness enthusiast based in the United States.
But her controversial parenting advice hit a nerve on social media recently.
The mum suggested that other parents can ditch their kids’ night time shower or bath routine if they’ve spend time in the pool during the day.
Her video quickly went viral and currently has over 102,000 views.
In the clip, Neely her son sat wrapped in a towel after getting out of the nearby pool.
The text over the video read: “Happy the pool counts as a bath season to all who participate!”
The mum captioned the clip: “Please tell me I’m not the only mom who celebrates.”
But her confession didn’t land well with a lot of other parents, who criticised her for the video.
One said: “No way man. Pool day means it is DEFINITELY a tubby night for my kiddos. So gross, chemicals, sunscreen, sweat, pee, salt, etc.”
A second agreed: “I never want to shower harder than after a long day at the pool or the beach.”
“Oh that’s nasty,” one user added.
“People wonder how a pandemic happened,’ someone else commented.
In fact, the post caused such a uproar that Neely spoke to Today about it all, and confessed she had no idea people would take such issue with it.
“I in no way posted this to create the level of controversy that it apparently did,” she said.
“The main reason behind this was I knew that nationwide everyone’s pools were opening up.”
The mum explained that she just wanted to give other parents permission to have fun with their kids this summer.
Neely also insisted that despite the post she does bathe her kids, even after a day at the pool.
Different parenting styles explained
There are four recognised styles of parenting explained below:
Authoritarian Parenting
What some might describe as ‘regimental’ or ‘strict parenting.
Parents with this style focus on strict rules, obedience, and discipline.
Authoritarian parents take over the decision-making power, rarely giving children any input in the matter.
When it comes to rules, you believe it’s “my way or the highway.”
Permissive Parenting
Often referred to as ‘soft parenting’ or ‘yes mums/dads’.
Permissive parents are lenient, only stepping in when there’s a serious problem.
They’re quite forgiving and they adopt an attitude of “kids will be kids.”
Oftentimes they act more like friends than authoritative figures.
Authoritative Parenting
Authoritative parents provide their children with rules and boundaries, but they also give them the freedom to make decisions.
With an authoritative parenting style, parents validate their children’s feelings while also making it clear that the adults are ultimately in charge.
They use positive reinforcement techniques, like praise and reward systems, as opposed to harsh punishments.
Neglectful or Uninvolved Parenting
Essentially, neglectful parents ignore their children, who receive little guidance, nurturing, and parental attention.
They don’t set rules or expectations, and they tend to have minimal knowledge about what their children are doing.
Uninvolved parents expect children to raise themselves. They don’t devote much time or energy to meeting children’s basic needs.
Uninvolved parents may be neglectful but it’s not always intentional. A parent with mental health issues or substance abuse problems, for example, may not be able to care for a child’s physical or emotional needs consistently.
